Callene M. Peterson

Callene M. Peterson, 89, of Gnadenhutten, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Hennis Care Centre of Dover after several health battles. Callene was born July 2, 1933 in West Virginia before the family later relocated to Freeport, Ohio. She was a daughter of the late John Adorian and Lucy Ann (Short) Starkey.

Callene graduated from Freeport High School in 1952 before pursuing her dream of cooking and baking. She gifted everyone around her with happy memories, a smile, amazing food, and the best slice of pie you would ever taste. She worked in many restaurants over the years and will be missed by customers and coworkers from all over Ohio. Callene was the heart of her family and will be missed greatly by them and her beloved dog, Charlie.

On February 19th, 1970, Callene married Robert Peterson who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her children, Carmen M. Marlatt, Kelly W. Stoyanovich; a brother, John ‘Jack’ Starkey; sisters, Shirley Salsberry and Ruie Horsfall; and step-children, Sue VonHeimburg and Lyne Cavill.
Callene’s surviving family includes her grandchildren, Jameson Marlatt and Lacy (Andrew) Monticelli; a son-in-law, Jeff Marlatt and his mother, Jessie Marlatt-Russell; step son, Robin (Barbara) Peterson; step son, Tom Muriel; step daughter, Patti (Chuck) Willey; sister-in-law, Ethel Starkey; a cousin, Barbara McGaha and family; a niece, Jackie Giles and family; The Cummings and the Kinsey families; and many others.

Family and friends are asked to gather for a celebration of life in honor of Callene at the Park Christian Church in Dennison beginning with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. followed by a 2:30 p.m. service on Saturday, April 1. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Christian Church.